The re-build has begun!

Work to rebuild Weston’s Grand Pier following last year’s devastating fire is set to begin.

A contractor has been appointed to carry out piling that will help support the new pavilion.

The piling, which will be carried out by Commercial Marine & Piling Ltd (CMP) from Hampshire, will mean around 70 new piles being strategically placed to ensure the pier can support the new pavilion. Scheduled to last up to 15 weeks, the piles will be driven approximately 30 metres into the bedrock.

CMP will use a jack-up barge to drive the piles into the sea bed. The Jack-up barge provides a stable platform from which marine works can be carried out. When jacked up onto the legs the barge provides a platform which can be raised and lowered above the sea level, a feature that is ideal where tidal rise and fall would otherwise cause problems.

The plan is for the main contractor to be appointed for the new pavilion in June/July 2009.

Kerry Michael, owner of the pier said: “The beginning of the piling work is great news and is the beginning of the reconstruction of the pier following the fire. We’re keen to get the work under way and means we are on schedule to reopen for the summer of 2010.

“We aim to keep disruption to local people and businesses to a minimum during this work and we can now look forward with heightened anticipation as the new Grand Pier starts to take shape.”

Sixty per cent larger than its predecessor, the new pavilion will include a selection of state-of-the-art attractions such as an 85-metre high panoramic tower that will rise up revolve 360 degrees, a roof-height twin-chute helter-skelter in the North West tower, traditional Edwardian tea room that will double as a wedding venue for up to 125 guests and additional conference venue which can cater for up to 250 guests.

“We still have a very long way to go but we are determined to achieve our goals and provide the town with a world class facility in time for the summer season 2010,” said Kerry.